Joseph Wilmot, or, The Memoirs of a Man-Servant — page 304: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

oS ae man JOSEPH WILMOT; OK, THE MEMOIRS OF A MAN-SERVANT. the ihree windows just referred to. Inside that window I also caught a glimpse of the head and bust of a female form above the piece of furniture: but the panes themselves were too dingy for me to see sufficiont of her to retain the slightest impres- sion of her appearance. <A scrap of paper was floating upon the air,—evidently thrust forth by that white hand; and instantaneously smitten with the conviction that it was some communication which an unfortunate prisoner had to make to me, I bounded forward to catch it. But at the same moment an ejaculation of violent anger, uttered in the well known voice of Mr. Shackleford, smote my ears: I stopped short—and he himself snatched up the paper, which at the instant reached the ground. The glance which I instinctively threw up at the window, showed me that the hand was withdrawn and that the female figure had retreated. Mr. Shackleford ran his eyes hastily over the paper—and then thrust it mto his waistcoat- pocket. His look, which was af first full of anger, slowly smoothed down; and he beckoned me to follow him into the house. He led the way to a room which had a few books im it, and was there- fore called “ the library ;’ and seating himself in a graye deliberate manner, he said, ‘‘ It is neces- sary, Joseph, after what has just occurred, that I should give you some little explanations.” He paused: and I awaited, with much curiosity and suspense, the resumption of his speech. “Those apartments with the three windows where the shutters are not closed,” he went on to say, “have an occupant. This occupant is a rela- tion of Mrs. Shackleford: she has disgraced herself —and the sense of her shame has affected her reason. It is from motives of humanity, as well as of mercy towards herself, that we thus conceal her, not merely from the eyes of the world, but as a positive protection against the vindictive fury of an outraged and dishonoured husband,—who, mad- dened by his wife’s guilt, has vowed that her lite shall be forfeit to her crime and to his vengeance. I might stop here and decline farther explanations. But I will say a few words more. I comprehend your disposition: you are a generous-hearted and magnanimous youth; and it is natural that you should experience something like sympathy on behalf of one who is thus withdrawn from the great theatre of the world. I will therefore tell you that all possible kindness is bestowed upon her—and that her frailty, instead of being made a subject of reproach, is regarded with true Chris- tian leniency. She is allowed to take exercise in the plantation ; and the best of provisions are fur- nished for her table. Of this latter statement you yourself, Joseph, received ample proof: for it is not unknown to me that you one night—during the first few days you were here—descended to the kitchen to procure something which you re- quired or which you had forgotten; and you found the cook engaged in preparing food. Now, young man, you have learnt a secret which you will do well to keep,—inasmuch as the revelation of it cannot possibly benefit yourself; while on the other hand it would only cause annoyance to my- self and still greater vexation to Mrs. Shackle- ford.” “TI can assure you, sir,’ was my answer, promptly given, “I should be much distressed if by any indiscretion on my part——” 291 “Enough, Joseph!” interrupted my master: “T believe you. Mr..and Mrs. Rowland gave you the best of characters; and your conduct has hitherto justified the terms in which they expressed themselves.” I withdrew from my master’s presence, ponder- ing on all that I had heard. The mystery con- nected with the shut-up portion of the building, now seemed to be entirely explained. No mention was made by Mr. Shackleford of the child that I had twice seen in Mrs. Foley’s arms: but I could not doubt that it was the offspring of that amour which had stamped the dishonour of the secluded occupant of the mysterious apartments. I further concluded that Mrs. Foley, being acquainted with the secret, was accustomed occasionally to visit Mrs. Shackleford’s disgraced relative—and that in the natural kindness of her heart she nursed and fondled the infant. This opinion raised Mrs. Foley still higher than ever in my esteem; and more than ever too was I rejoiced to think that so excellent a lady had not been doomed to bitterest affliction by the loss of her husband. My fellow- servants were already aware of what had occurred in respect to the serap of paper being thrown out at the window: for when that ejaculation burst from Mr. Shackleford’s lips, the housemaid had rushed forth to see what was the matter. There- fore, when I rejoined them after my interview with Mr, Shackleford, they at once comprehended that I was now initiated in the mystery of the closed portion of the building. “You will exercise the same discretion, Jo- seph,” obseryed the housemaid to me, “that we have done.” “But Iam glad that Joseph does know it all at last!” exclaimed the cook: “because it is so difficult to keep always upon one’s guard. I re- member dropping a hint,” she added with a smile, —‘‘a hint, though, which I really did not. intend to let slip from my tongue-—rthat the period would arrive when you would know everything as well as we. 2) “And might I ask,’ I said, “how long the unfortunate lady has been an inmate of Heather Place ?” “Upwards of a twelvemonth,” responded the cook. “Her child for of course master has told you there is a child was born here; and that was what I meant one day when I dropped a few words about the last visit that Mr. Willis the surgeon had paid to the house.” “And are you not afraid,” I inquired, “ that old Jacob will let out something on the subject : for you see how garrulous he is.” “On this point he is close enough,” answered the cook. ‘You yourself can judge whether he has ever let fall a single word to excite your sus- picions ?” “True!” I observed. “And if any one has been more unguarded than the rest,’ added the cook, with another smile, “it is me.” Here the conversation ended: for though I longed to put several additional questions, I did not like t6 appear impertinently curious. | Still it was natural that I should feel to a certain degree interested in the unfortunate being who was con- signed to such a seclusion—and that I should be anxious to learn something more of her history. | Eloo cS (CO) im